Alaska House panel advances “Stand Your Ground” bill

House Bill 24 would expand people’s right to use deadly force as a means of self-defense. A similar law already on the books in Florida became a source of controversy last year when neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman shot and killed unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin on a street in an Orlando suburb.

Neuman has tried to pass the Alaska bill multiple times in recent years without success.

The Judiciary Committee also gave the public a chance to weigh in on House Bill 69, sponsored by House Speaker Mike Chenault. It would make it a felony for a federal official or agent to try to enforce any new restrictions on gun ownership.

Chenault initially proposed making it a misdemeanor, but the latest version of his bill strengthens that penalty. The bill has garnered broad support from House Republicans.

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